College

Department

Honors Thesis Committee

Location

West 221

Start Date

20-4-2018 1:15 PM

Description

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cellular lineages. This ability of cells to differentiate is known as potency. These cells are of particular interest to the field of regenerative medicine, as they present an opportunity for highly effective therapy. However, the cells most suited for clinical applications are embryonic stem cells, which are highly controversial. One method of overcoming this controversy is by using induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). These cells can be generated by overexpressing a cocktail of transcription factors in non-pluripotent cells, one of which is Oct4. Oct4 is a member of the POU transcription factor family. Its unique structural components allow it to not only bind DNA, but also recruit additional transcription factors to elicit a cellular response. When Oct4 expression is upregulated, the expression of genes involved in stem cell pluripotency is also upregulated and developmental potency is enhanced. The work described here had two specific aims. The first was to clone the Oct4 gene into the pGene plasmid of the Invitrogen GeneSwitch™ System. The second aim was to use that plasmid in conjunction with the other components of the system in murine adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) to enhance developmental potency. Preliminary findings indicate that the Oct4 gene has been successfully cloned into the pGene plasmid. Further investigation of this system may provide an alternate, less controversial opportunity for stem-cell-based regenerative therapy.

Grant Support?

Supported by an SC INBRE grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH-NIGMS)

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Apr 20th, 1:15 PM

Evaluation of the Effect of Oct4 Expression on the Developmental Potency of Murine Adipose Derived Stem Cells

West 221

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cellular lineages. This ability of cells to differentiate is known as potency. These cells are of particular interest to the field of regenerative medicine, as they present an opportunity for highly effective therapy. However, the cells most suited for clinical applications are embryonic stem cells, which are highly controversial. One method of overcoming this controversy is by using induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). These cells can be generated by overexpressing a cocktail of transcription factors in non-pluripotent cells, one of which is Oct4. Oct4 is a member of the POU transcription factor family. Its unique structural components allow it to not only bind DNA, but also recruit additional transcription factors to elicit a cellular response. When Oct4 expression is upregulated, the expression of genes involved in stem cell pluripotency is also upregulated and developmental potency is enhanced. The work described here had two specific aims. The first was to clone the Oct4 gene into the pGene plasmid of the Invitrogen GeneSwitch™ System. The second aim was to use that plasmid in conjunction with the other components of the system in murine adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) to enhance developmental potency. Preliminary findings indicate that the Oct4 gene has been successfully cloned into the pGene plasmid. Further investigation of this system may provide an alternate, less controversial opportunity for stem-cell-based regenerative therapy.